Cape May County Herald, 23 October 1985 IIIF issue link — Page 44

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Burdette Tomlin Programs Handling Child's Emergencies

Knowing howlo react to your child's medical emergency is half the cure, according to Mary Beth Town, head nurse, Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital emergency department Town spoke on "Handling Your Child's Medical Emergency." as part of Burdette Tomlin's :iT»th anniversary celebration Oct 7 It The most common ailment among small children is fever Town said many fever emergencies seem to occur when the famdy-doc lor is unavailable She ad visit! that "a thermometer is a must " in all households and "not to hesitate" about bringing the child to the emergency room "Children react differently to fever," said Town "I've 'seen some crawling around in playful moods at ltd degrees Then again, if the temperature reaches 106. it could mean brain damage ." She said taking the temperature can lie difficult with young children, recommending rectal temperature as an alternative to oral "IT CAN BK TOUGII getting an accurate reading from a I her momeler in a baby's

Nutrition, Parenting ( ED. NOTE : Four reports on this pane from Burdette Tomlin's 35th anniversary com munity service pro grants are by free lance writer Joe Rossi of Wildw<tod Crest This week's accounts are of special interest to parents and to those in terested in nutrition. Next week, a final report on " Health Pro blems of the '80s" in cludinp a special look at AIDS I mouth, it usually doesn't stay there long enough." said Town Town suggested parents give a "tempid sponge bath" to children with fever. This involves luke warm water, about 85 degrees She cautioned against the use of aspirin with young children Town noted Kye Syndrome. a viral illness, has a history relating to the use of aspirin Research, according to Town, indicates that many patients who took aspirin to combat the

syndrome experienced serious problems three weeks later Difficulties included vomiting, fatty deposits and misfunctioning of the liver. She added that her patients receive Tylenol DEIIYDR ATION can be a serious problem for youngsters According to Town, parents should watch for wetting. As long as the baby is wetting, dehydration is not the problem. Town also discussed diarrhea, a leading cause of dehydration. "When the appetite goes, that's a good sign of trouble." said Town. "Give the child clear liquids and back off on feedings for a while." Town also recommended "bland" foods to combat diarrhea. She suggested bananas, rice, cereal, apples or toast as good for the recovery process. Poisoning is also a very serious issue for parents Town firmly recommended the posting of a toll-free poison control number. 1 -800-962- 1253. She mentioned a product known as IPECAC, which induces vomiting. It is an over-the-counter product, but you may need to request it from the pharmacist since people tend to use it inappro priately

"The pharmacist will want to get a look at you first," said Town. "They worry about people with anorexia using IPECAC." TOWN CAUTIONED parents to be wary of urinary tract infections, especially with little girls. She said untreated urinary ipf£ttions could lead to serious kidney problems. The number one food which children tend to choke on is hot dogs. Town said toddlers, with undeveloped eating coordination. can easily choke on food. The recommended action is to turn the child on your arm. chest down You should then deliver three or four blows between the shoulder blades to loosen the trapped food. Town also produced a bulb suction, which causes air to suck the food from the child's throat. She cautioned against reaching fingers or objects into the child's mouth. Treating cuts and bruises is often mishandled by parents, according to Town. She said iodine and peroxide are usually not needed and only serve to give the child more pain "Simply use a mild soap and water," said Town "They do a great job. "

Babysitting Is Serious Business

Babysitting seems to lie a simple enough task All it takes is a good Ixiok or television program and you're set If you believe that, then don't become a luhysitter According to Beverly MclVak. unit supervisor. Obstetrics ' Department. Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital, babysitting is serious business and there's a lot to know l>efore taking on such a rcspon Nihility MclVak gave a presentation on the subject as part of the hospital's 35th anniversary celebra t ion Oct 7 It As a Uihysitter. your lirst responsibility is to lie on lime You should also know something alniut your employers and the child you're in charge of Safetycan never Is" overstressed. and MclVak offers simple suggestions to maintain a safe environment for the child " YOl MI ST K\\\\\

where the parents are going. /when they'll return and how you can reach them." said MePeak "Phone numbers for all rescue personnel should Ik* nearby and you should have a list of any food the child is allergic to "You should know how to treat minor injuries, which pieces of furniture or ob.jecls in the home could In* hazardous for the child, if there are any chemicals within reach, and where the thermostat and gas or electric controls are located " MePeak says a house should be "baby proof" and a good babysitter will know how to make it so A fire and evacuation plan are also necessary for the babysitter, said MePeak The sitter should check with parents to see if there is an escape plan and where the first aid equip ment is located MOST INJURIES, accor

ding to Mary Beth Town. Burdette Tomlin's head nurse in the emergency department, can be treated with simple soup nd water She advised that a sitter know how to read a thermostat and Ik* sure to never let the child out of eyesight MePeak said children should go to bed according to their regular schedule Parents should Ik* consulted on what time and permission to remain up longer The employer should Ik* responsible for driving you h o m e . according t o MePeak You should clarify that before starting the assignment to avoid I misunderstandings <

She also stressed good phone habits "NEVER IDENTIFY yourself as the babysitter You never know who is calling and what they might do if they knew." said MePeak "You shou I dn ' t make calls either You are there to watch and care for the child, not to speak with friends " MclVak advised against a friend or dates "stopping over " She warned against alcohol consumption and taking "snacks " Most important, said MePeak. is "never open the door for anyone you don't know."

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Low Attendance Disappointing

By JO.WN OXI.EY Director Community Relations Burdelle Tomlin q Burdette T o m 1 1 n 1 Memorial Hospital celebrated its 35th Anmver ; sary Oct 7 11 with a Freeholders Mayors lun cheon. a Board of Directors j reception for physicians. | employes, and volunteers. ' and with a full week of community service activ dies To bring the celebration i to the community, phvsi cians and other BTMH health care professionals volunteered their time throughout the week to provide programs devoted to the well-being of various members of the familymen. woman, young adults, children and senior citizens AUDIENCES RECEIVED down-to-earth presenJ tations and answers to their questions from highly j qualified medical J specialists The reaction

was enthusiastic as those who attended learned about everything from face lifts to ringing in the ears and sports nutrition, i The disappointment was I that attendance was low The hospital was pleased 1 with Herald-l^jntern-Dis-patch coverage of sessions as its extends the number of people benefiting from some of the information offered at the programs Substance abuse is a ma jor problem in this area Yet three sessions on the subject attracted only four persons The fact that" there were some very positive results of these limited encounters was gratifying One individual spoke so convincingly of the need for a Narcotics Anonymous group here that the hospital took immediate steps to establish one OTHER PROGRAMS drew more people but none came near to taking full advantage of the resources provided. However, presentors held all pro-

^£2 i " * GALA CONCERT — Music lovers at the New Jersey Pops concert that benefited Burdette Tomlin Oct. 12 brought their own flags.

Eat to Live; Not Vice-Versa

The only way to develop muscle is to exercise properly and eat right, according to Candy Stridiron, chief dietician. Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital. Stridiron addressed the issue of proper nutrition as part of the hospital's 35th anniversary celebration Oct. 7-11. Most people consume two to three times the amount of protein needed. Many mistakenly use "protein powders" and other aids to develop muscle tone and energy. According to Stridiron. people who eat regularly have no need for vitamins. "If a person consumes 1.200 calories a day. no vitamins are needed."SODIUM. ACCORDING TO Stridiron. is also prevelent in today 's average diet She said people don't realize that to much salt can be harmful and that most foods contain enough salt to "make the salt shaker obsolete " Losing weight, said Stridiron. is best accomplished through smart eating habits and consistent exercise She said people who dramatically reduce eating habits and go on "fad diets" will regain the weight, plus extra pounds 'When a person dramatically reduces

grams regardless of numbers and most felt them worthwhile even when only a few people were reached

eating habits, their metabolism rate slows down as well," said Stridiron. "While they may be eating less, they're also burning up less." OBESITY does not run in families: eating habits do. Stridiron said people eat just for the sake of eating. Many events and gatherings are based on food and beverage and not on the actual point of the meeting. "Hunger and appetite are two different things." said Stridiron. "People should eat to live, not live to eat." Stridir6p said people learn eating habits as children. Often, food is used as reward or punishment. 'You won't get cake if you don't eat your vegetables." This, said Stridiron, leads to bad eating habits and a misunderstanding of food groups and nutrition LOOKING GOOD also involves proper diet and skin care "People do not get acne from chocolate." said Stridiron. "Usually, clear skin is the reuslt of proper diet, adequate fluid intake and plenty of rest." Taking care of your teeth simply involves regular brushing and flossing. Stridiron noted that decayoccurs only after food is allowed to sit for a period of time Eating disorders, such as anorexia, the fear of being overweight, are a problem for the psychiatrist, not the nutritionist, said Stridiron She noted that bolemia. a sickness where people gorge themselves, then in duce vomiting, can also destroy teeth.

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